Session Descriptions at Pediatric Aerodigestive Disorders: Fundamentals and Critical Thinking for SLPs

Pre-recorded sessions will be on-demand and last about an hour, so you can watch them whenever time permits! 

Guiding Care in Pediatric Airway and Aerodigestive Management
Melanie Stevens, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, and Jennifer L. Haney, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

This session will focus on pediatric patients with complex aerodigestive circumstances, emphasizing feeding/swallowing and trach/speaking valves. The presenters will examine the role of the SLP and other members of the aerodigestive team and use case studies to discuss assessment and treatment in and beyond the clinic setting.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• identify two areas SLPs manage within an aerodigestive team setting
• discuss cross collaboration between aerodigestive team members and managing clinicians/providers
• discuss goals and outcomes related to case studies

Impact of Airway Development on Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing
Memorie M. Gosa, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

This session will review the dramatic changes that occur within the upper aerodigestive tract during the first 2 years of life and their impact on effective assessment and treatment of pediatric dysphagia. Additionally, this session will review common pediatric aerodigestive diagnoses known to impact safe and efficient oral intake.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• describe the anatomic and physiologic changes of the developing respiratory system during the first 2 years of life
• identify differences between the infant and the adult upper aerodigestive tract

Supporting Family-Centered Care for Children With Tracheostomies and Complex Airway Diagnoses
Ashley Brown, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, and Romaine F. Johnson, MD, MPH

This session will examine the quality-of-life impacts on caregivers of children with tracheostomies and complex airway diagnoses. Often, the day-to-day struggles these caregivers face greatly impacts their ability to attend, focus, and participate in treatment programs, which can alter the plan of care. The presenters will share research outcomes on caregiver quality-of-life as well as examples of program adaptation and treatment goals that are tailored for caregiver and patient success. The session will also address caregiver-focused goals of care and the role of the SLP to help caregivers align their goals of care with patient interventions.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• describe ways to support caregivers of children with tracheostomies and complex airway diagnoses within a variety of community and health care settings
• identify common societal and health care barriers caregivers of children with tracheostomies and complex airway diagnoses encounter

Critical Thinking in Complex Pediatric Airway Disorders: Medical and Surgical Considerations
Kayla Hernandez, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CNT, CLC, and Samantha Grenier, PA-C

Disorders of the airway can greatly impact a child's swallowing and feeding development. In this session, an SLP and a certified physician assistant will review the evaluation process as well as the medical and surgical interventions for specific airway disorders in children, including laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, laryngeal cleft, and vocal cord paralysis. The presenters will discuss the unique considerations for management of dysphagia related to airway anomalies, including the SLP’s role in collaborating with otolaryngologists.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• provide evidence-based care to pediatric patients with dysphagia related to complex airway disorders
• explain the correlation between upper airway anatomy, respiration, and swallowing
• recommend appropriate diagnostic evaluations and referrals for patients presenting with dysphagia and possible upper airway anomalies

Oral Feeding Considerations for Infants and Children Who Require Respiratory Support
Carolyn Barnes, PhD, CCC-SLP

This session will explore various considerations for nutrition and hydration for infants and children who require–or have previously required–respiratory support. The speaker will address the impact of noninvasive respiratory supports on oral feeding safety and efficacy, risks of post-extubation dysphagia, and clinical considerations for specific populations.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• apply new concepts to clinical assessment and treatment plan development and implementation in the hospital setting
• evaluate the potential risks and/or benefits of orally feeding pediatric patients who require respiratory support
• explain risks of pediatric post-extubation dysphagia to colleagues and patient caregivers
• summarize the existing literature on orally feeding pediatric patients who require respiratory support

A Case-Based Approach to Supporting Young, Ventilator-Dependent Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Kristin Szymanek, MA, CCC-SLP, and Amber Bonner, MS, CCC-SLP, CLS

This session will examine the unique communication and swallowing challenges ventilator-dependent infants and children face in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The presenters will share case studies that illustrate preferred practices as well as evidence-informed assessment and management for optimizing patient outcomes. The session will emphasize the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and caregiver empowerment.

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• apply evidence-informed assessment and management techniques with ventilator-dependent infants and children in the ICU
• describe the unique communication and swallowing challenges of pediatric, ventilator-dependent patients in the ICU
• describe methods for assessing communication and swallowing abilities and suggest specific interventions
• identify scenarios that highlight the importance of collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and family members while caring for ventilator-dependent infants and children

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After completing this session, you will be able to:

• LOs

"I loved how there were different perspectives on the same subject. I liked the tips and practical strategies that were provided."